Pelvic braces and methods for using same

Abstract

Various devices for providing various forces on a patient torso. One device includes a belt, a pubic pad, and a rear pad. Another device includes two “clamshell”-type members which capture the torso of a patient (aka user), and includes smaller sub portions within windows in at least one of the clamshell portions, for particular bracing purposes. Another device includes a type of “scuba suit” base garment which includes adjustable straps attached thereto for particular bracing purposes.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A pelvic brace assembly in combination with a carrying strap for use by a user to provide a carrying feature along with a bracing function, said combination comprising:
 A) a pelvic brace assembly, said brace assembly comprising:
 1) a belt for encircling the body of a user proximate the waist area; 
 2) a front pubic pad configured to be attached relative to said belt proximate the anterior side of the user's body and at the midline of said body such that said pubic pad is in proximal contact with said pubic symphysis joint of said user and provides a bracing function proximate said symphysis joint of said user; and 
 3) a rear sacral pad configured to be attached relative to said belt proximate the posterior side and at the midline of said user's body such that said sacral pad is in contact with said user and provides a bracing function, 
 said front pubic pad and said rear sacral pad being relatively attached proximate the groin area; and 
 
 B) an elongate carrying strap attached relative to said belt proximate the anterior side of the user's body, said carrying strap configured for at least partially lifting a load separate from the user, 
 such that when lifted said load is transferred directly to the pelvis and reduces forces to the cervical, thoracic and lumber spine, and shoulders. 
 
     
     
       2. A pelvic brace assembly in combination with a carrying strap for use by a user to provide a load carrying feature along with a bracing function, said combination comprising:
 A) a pelvic brace assembly, said brace assembly comprising:
 1) a belt for encircling the body of a user proximate the waist area; and 
 2) a rear sacral pad configured to be attached relative to said belt proximate the posterior side and at the midline of said user's body such that said sacral pad is in contact with said user and provides a bracing function, and 
 3) an elongate crotch strap having opposing first and second ends, said first end attached relative to said rear sacral pad, and said second end configured to be attached relative to said belt proximate the anterior side of the user's body and at the midline of said body; and 
 
 B) an elongate carrying strap attached relative to said belt proximate the anterior side of the user's body, said carrying strap configured for at least partially lifting said load separate from the user, 
 such that when lifted said load is transferred directly to the pelvis and reduces forces to the cervical, thoracic and lumber spine, and shoulders. 
 
     
     
       3. The pelvic brace assembly as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said elongate carrying strap is elongate and includes one end attached to said belt. 
     
     
       4. The pelvic brace assembly as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said elongate carrying strap is elongate and includes both ends attached to said belt, such that said load may be carried by a portion of the belt intermediate said ends. 
     
     
       5. A pelvic brace assembly in combination with a carrying strap for use by a user to provide a load carrying feature along with a bracing function, said combination comprising:
 A) a pelvic brace assembly, said brace assembly comprising:
 1) a belt for encircling the body of a user proximate the waist area; and 
 2) a rear sacral pad configured to be attached relative to said belt proximate the posterior side and at the midline of said user's body such that said sacral pad is in contact with said user and provides a bracing function; and 
 
 B) an elongate carrying strap attached relative to said belt proximate the anterior side of the user's body, said carrying strap configured for at least partially lifting said load separate from the user, 
 such that when lifted said load is transferred directly to the pelvis and reduces forces to the cervical, thoracic and lumber spine, and shoulders. 
 
     
     
       6. The pelvic brace assembly as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said elongate carrying strap is elongate and includes one end attached to said belt. 
     
     
       7. The pelvic brace assembly as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said elongate carrying strap is elongate and includes both ends attached to said belt, such that said load may be carried by a portion of the belt intermediate said ends.